title: The effects of stress on singing voice accuracy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The quality of a music performance can be lessened or enhanced if the performer experiences stressful conditions. In addition, the quality of a sung performance requires control of the fundamental frequency of the voice, which is particularly sensitive to stress. The present study aimed to clarify the effects of stress on singing voice accuracy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-one music students were recorded in a stressful condition (ie, a music examination) and a nonstressful condition. Two groups were defined according to the challenge level of the music examination (first and second music levels). Measurements were made by self-reported state anxiety (CSAI-2R questionnaire) and by observing heart rate activity (electrocardiogram) during each performance. In addition, the vocal accuracy of the sung performances was objectively analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  As expected, state anxiety and heart rate were significantly higher on the day of the music examination than in the nonstressful condition for all the music students. However, the effect of stress was positive for the first-year students but negative for the second-year students, for whom the music examination was particularly challenging. In addition, highly significant correlations were found between the intensity of cognitive symptoms and the vocal accuracy criteria.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study highlights the contrasting effects of stress on singing voice accuracy but also the need to consider the challenge level and perception of the symptoms in experimental and pedagogical settings.
authors.affiliation: Logopédie de la Voix, Department of Psychology: Cognition and Behavior, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium. Electronic address: pauline.larrouy.maestri@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Pauline
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Larrouy-Maestri
authors.affiliation: Logopédie de la Voix, Department of Psychology: Cognition and Behavior, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Morsomme
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001007:Anxiety / Q000503:physiopathology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009146:Music; D010699:Phonation; D063346:Singing; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014833:Voice Quality; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Anxiety; Music students; Singing voice; Stage fright; Stress; Vocal accuracy